Southampton to Liverpool bus with National Express

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The cheapest and fastest buses from Southampton to Liverpool

Showing times and prices for Jun 21

Cheapest price

$42

Average price

$67

Fastest journey

7 h 40 m

Average duration

9 h 12 m

Buses per day

5

Distance

299 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Southampton to Liverpool is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Southampton to Liverpool will cost around $67 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $42.

Fast buses

It's difficult to get from Southampton to Liverpool without transferring at least once.

  • National ExpressNX032 · NX421
    8:30 PM12h05
    Southampton, Coach Station
    8:35 AMLiverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place
    $421One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNX032 · NX540
    5:25 AM9h40
    Southampton, Coach Station
    3:05 PMLiverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place
    $661One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNX160 · NX541
    4:00 PM7h40
    Southampton, Coach Station
    11:40 PMLiverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place
    $731One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNX160 · NX541
    9:00 AM8h20
    Southampton, Coach Station
    5:20 PMLiverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place
    $761One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNX160 · NX541
    12:10 PM8h15
    Southampton, Coach Station
    8:25 PMLiverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place
    $791One-way
    1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Southampton to Liverpool

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Southampton to Liverpool among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $23. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 28m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $23, and a train costs an average of $46.

Distance: 185 miles (299 km)

Compare bus with

Most popular
Bus
Train
Driving

$49

Average price

Cheapest

$119

Average price

$79

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

7h 28m

Average total duration

6h 58m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 58m

Average total duration

Fastest

4h 28m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 37m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.3 - 0.7kg

CO2 emissions

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

-

CO2 emissions

National Express

Most popular bus company

CrossCountry

Most popular train company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

The cheapest way to travel from Southampton to Liverpool is a bus with an average price of $49 (€40).

This is compared to other travel options from Southampton to Liverpool:

A bus is $70 (€57) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Southampton to Liverpool costing on average $119 (€97).

The fastest way to travel from Southampton to Liverpool is by train with an average journey time of 4h 28m.

Other travel options to Liverpool take longer:

Bus takes on average 6h 58m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Southampton and Liverpool including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Southampton to Liverpool among Omio's users.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.

You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.

Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.

Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.

Southampton to Liverpool Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:15AM
Arrival Time
03:05PM
Duration
10h50
Departure days
Tue, Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
$32
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:05AM
Arrival Time
03:05PM
Duration
10h00
Departure days
Mon, Fri
Cheapest price
$36
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:25AM
Arrival Time
03:05PM
Duration
9h40
Departure days
Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$66
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:55AM
Arrival Time
05:30PM
Duration
8h35
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
Cheapest price
$42
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:00AM
Arrival Time
05:20PM
Duration
8h20
Departure days
Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$66
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:15AM
Arrival Time
07:15PM
Duration
10h00
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$39
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:55AM
Arrival Time
08:55PM
Duration
9h00
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$82
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
12:10PM
Arrival Time
10:05PM
Duration
9h55
Departure days
Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$42
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
12:15PM
Arrival Time
11:30PM
Duration
11h15
Departure days
Tue, Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
$23
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
01:15PM
Arrival Time
11:30PM
Duration
10h15
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$30
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:00PM
Arrival Time
01:35AM
Duration
9h35
Departure days
Everyday
Cheapest price
$32
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:30PM
Arrival Time
08:35AM
Duration
12h05
Departure days
Everyday
Cheapest price
$32

Live departures

Southampton to Liverpool bus times

The table below shows live departures for Southampton to Liverpool buses for today, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
National ExpressNX032 · NX540
Delayed
8:15 AM 5:25 AMSouthampton, Coach Station
9h40
3:40 PM 3:40 PMLiverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place
1 transfer
National ExpressNX160 · NX541
On time
9:00 AM Southampton, Coach Station
8h20
5:20 PM Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place
1 transfer
National ExpressNX160 · NX541
On time
12:10 PM Southampton, Coach Station
8h15
8:25 PM Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place
1 transfer
National ExpressNX160 · NX541
On time
4:00 PM Southampton, Coach Station
7h40
11:40 PM Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place
1 transfer
National ExpressNX032 · NX421
On time
8:30 PM Southampton, Coach Station
12h05
8:35 AM Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place
1 transfer
National ExpressNX032 · NX5405:25 AM Southampton, Coach Station
9h40
3:05 PM Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place1 transfer

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Southampton to Liverpool by train or bus

Compare train and bus prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.

Sun
Jun 21
Mon
Jun 22
Tue
Jun 23
Wed
Jun 24
Thu
Jun 25
Fri
Jun 26
Sat
Jun 27

Why should you book Southampton to Liverpool buses with Omio?

National Express as well as Megabus offer buses services from Southampton to Liverpool.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Southampton to Liverpool.

Why book with Omio vs National Express?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for National Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of Megabus to find the best option for your trip from Southampton to Liverpool.
  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare National Express with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Southampton to Liverpool.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Megabus to find the best option for your trip from Southampton to Liverpool.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Southampton to Liverpool.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Southampton to Liverpool

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Southampton to Liverpool run on average 9 times per day, taking around 6h 58m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $23 (€19) if you book in advance.

The earliest bus runs at 00:43, the last at 23:45. The fastest bus covers the 185 miles (299 km) distance in 6h 45m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance
185 miles (299 km)
Average bus duration
6h 58m
Cheapest ticket price
$23 (€19)
Buses per day
9
Fastest bus
6h 45m
First bus
12:43 AM
Last bus
11:45 PM
Cheapest Month
May
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Mon
Least Busy Day
Thu
Best time to book
49 days
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information

Bus providers: National Express, Megabus from Southampton to LiverpoolYou can travel by bus between Southampton to Liverpool with National Express, Megabus for as low as $23 (€19). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

National Express

About
National Express is the UK’s leading long-distance coach company, operating over 550 services per day and serving more than 900 destinations nationwide. It also runs frequent services to major UK airports — including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and Bristol — 24 hours a day. All National Express coaches are air-conditioned and offer free Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment. Most vehicles are equipped with seat belts and power outlets at every seat, allowing you to charge your phone or laptop during your journey. Ticket options include Restricted Fare, Standard Fare, and Fully Flexible Fare, with the latter providing maximum flexibility for cancellations or changes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
6h 45m
Cheapest Price
$23 (€19)
National Express frequency
7 a day
Luggage included
Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible toilets.
Bikes
Folding Bikes are allowed; non-folding bikes are not allowed.

Megabus

About
Megabus is a low-cost intercity bus service operating across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Known for its affordable fares, including promotional $1 tickets, Megabus offers routes connecting over 500 cities and university campuses in North America. The company provides amenities such as air conditioning, power outlets, free Wi-Fi, and onboard restrooms, with many routes utilizing double-decker buses for scenic views. Megabus aims to provide safe, convenient, and affordable express bus travel.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
8h 35m
Cheapest Price
$39 (€32)
Megabus frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
One piece of luggage is included per passenger reservation. For guidance, a piece of luggage must not exceed 62 inches (length + width + height) and should not weigh more than 50 pounds (23kg).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased by buying an additional travel ticket in advance or by adding up to two additional pieces when booking for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
Megabus reservations cannot be canceled or refunded, but they can be traded in for another journey up to 3 hours before your original scheduled departure for a fee.
Refund
If Megabus fails to provide on-time reliable service for reasons wholly within their control, refunds or alternative travel arrangements may be offered.
Pregnant on board
Being pregnant on board is allowed, but no specific details or restrictions are provided.
Unaccompagned minor
Unaccompanied minors under the age of 17 are not permitted to travel on Megabus.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cold food and drinks, as well as hot drinks with a lid, are allowed on board, but hot food is not.
Seat reservation
Reserved seats can be purchased for an additional fee, starting from £2.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Megabus is ADA-compliant and provides assistance to customers with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and those with service animals.

Complete guide to Liverpool

Things to do in Liverpool

Discover the best of Liverpool — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Liverpool trip today.

  • Must visit

Museum of Liverpool

Flagship city museum on the waterfront covering Liverpool’s social history, port heritage, music, and global influence.

  • Must visit

Walker Art Gallery

Renowned public gallery with European old masters, Victorian works, and strong collections of painting, sculpture, and decorative art.

  • Must visit

Tate Liverpool

Leading modern and contemporary art gallery known for major exhibitions and national collection displays at the Royal Albert Dock.

Pound Sterling

Moderate by UK standards. Pubs, cafés, and transport are fairly priced, while hotels and waterfront dining cost more on weekends and during football matches.

Average meal costs

Budget
GBP 8-12 for takeaway or a simple lunch.
Mid-range
GBP 18-30 per person at a casual restaurant.
Fine dining
GBP 60+ per person at upscale restaurants.
Coffee
GBP 3-4 for a cappuccino or latte.

Tipping culture

Service charge may be added in restaurants; if not, tip 10-12.5% for good service. No tip needed for pubs at the bar. Round up taxi fares or add about 10%.

FAQs: Bus from Southampton to Liverpool

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Southampton to Liverpool by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Liverpool, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Southampton to Liverpool can start from as little as $23 (€19) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Southampton to Liverpool is $49 (€40) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Southampton to Liverpool is 6h 45m to travel the 185 miles (299 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Southampton to Liverpool leaves at 12:43 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Southampton to Liverpool leaves at 11:45 PM.
There are 9 buses a day from Southampton to Liverpool which require at least one change with National Express, Megabus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Southampton to Liverpool, you can count on National Express, Megabus for the best way to get you to Liverpool. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Southampton and Liverpool and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
When departing from Southampton , you have various bus station options to start your journey from including Southampton, Coach Station, Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University) . When arriving in Liverpool , you can end your journey in bus stations like Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place, Liverpool, University, Liverpool, Botanic Park, Liverpool, Edge Lane Drive, Liverpool, Liverpool One, Liverpool, Kwik Fit Old Swan, Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East, Manchester, Shudehill Interchange, Chester, Gorse Stacks (Bus Interchange) .Passengers board the bus most frequently from Southampton, Coach Station, which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place, located 1 away from the city centre.
A trip to Liverpool from Southampton is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 6h 45m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Southampton to Liverpool is May.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Southampton and Liverpool including taking a train and bus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Southampton to Liverpool:
  • Megabus
    • Megabus is ADA-compliant and provides assistance to customers with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and those with service animals.
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Southampton to Liverpool for bus company National Express, Megabus.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Liverpool are:
  • The Beatles Story, an immersive museum dedicated to the history and impact of The Beatles
  • Royal Albert Dock, a historic waterfront complex featuring museums, shops, and restaurants
  • Liverpool Cathedral, the largest cathedral in Britain known for its stunning architecture and panoramic views
  • Anfield Stadium, the iconic home of Liverpool FC offering stadium tours and a museum
  • St George's Hall, a neoclassical building known for its grand architecture and cultural events.
The best things to do in Liverpool include:
  • Explore the vibrant Baltic Triangle, a creative and digital district with street art, bars, and music venues
  • Take a ferry across the Mersey River for scenic views of Liverpool's skyline
  • Visit the Walker Art Gallery, home to one of the largest art collections in England outside London
  • Enjoy a performance at the Liverpool Empire Theatre, hosting a variety of shows and musicals
  • Discover the history of the city at the Museum of Liverpool, offering insights into the city's rich heritage.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Southampton to Liverpool depends on the bus companies:
  • Megabus
    • Megabus reservations cannot be canceled or refunded, but they can be traded in for another journey up to 3 hours before your original scheduled departure for a fee.
  • National Express
    • You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company National Express.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Southampton to Liverpool.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Southampton to Liverpool:
  • Megabus
    • One piece of luggage is included per passenger reservation. For guidance, a piece of luggage must not exceed 62 inches (length + width + height) and should not weigh more than 50 pounds (23kg).
  • National Express
    • Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Southampton to Liverpool:
  • Megabus
    • Additional luggage can be purchased by buying an additional travel ticket in advance or by adding up to two additional pieces when booking for a fee.
  • National Express
    • 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Southampton to Liverpool.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Southampton to Liverpool with the following bus company: National Express, Megabus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Southampton to Liverpool with the following bus company: National Express, Megabus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Southampton to Liverpool with the following bus company: National Express, Megabus.
Since neither Southampton nor Liverpool are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United Kingdom and United Kingdom. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Southampton to Liverpool among Omio's users.
The currency used in the United Kingdom is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). For travelers, using a card is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially in cities and for transportation tickets, though carrying some cash can be useful for small purchases or in rural areas.
In Liverpool, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in busy areas like the city center and around popular attractions such as the Albert Dock and Liverpool ONE shopping center. Scams involving overcharging in taxis can occur, so it's advisable to use licensed cabs or pre-book rides. Additionally, travelers should be aware of nightlife-related safety, avoiding unlicensed venues and staying in well-lit, populated areas at night.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

popular bus stations

Popular bus stations from Southampton to Liverpool

Most Southampton to Liverpool buses use the Southampton, Coach Station to Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place station pair, with some services arriving at Liverpool, University. Use this guide to compare Southampton and Liverpool bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.

Departure bus stations in Southampton
Arrival bus stations in Liverpool

Which Southampton station do buses to Liverpool leave from?

Buses from Southampton to Liverpool leave from Southampton, Coach Station. The station is from Southampton city centre at Harbour Parade, Southampton SO15 1BA, United Kingdom.
Southampton, Coach StationHarbour Parade, Southampton SO15 1BA, United KingdomWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Southampton, Coach Station from Southampton city centre

BusX4, X5 · 5m · $2 · every ~20 min

Southampton, Coach Station bus station facilities and services

Southampton, Coach Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.

Food and drink

Food options include: Café Express (in the station), Sandwich Bar (in the station).

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance for cash withdrawals.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Southampton, Coach Station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Southampton, Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Southampton, Coach Station: Elevators, ramps.

Southampton, Burgess Rd (Library)
City-centre transport

Getting to Southampton, Burgess Rd (Library) from Southampton city centre

BusU2b, U2 · 13m · $2 · every ~6 min
U1a, U1n, U1e · 24m · $2 · every ~37 min
U1a, U1n, U1e · 28m · $2 · every ~37 min

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